Government to cut comms jobs

The government’s Central Office of Information (COI) is to reduce its staff numbers by 40% resulting in the loss of 287 jobs.

Total COI turnover on advertising and marketing is down an estimated 52% in June this year, compared to the same period in 2009, and the new government has made it clear that this reduction in spend should be expected to continue into the future.

Chief executive Mark Lund said:

COI has always adapted to meet the requirements of government and the changing media landscape. A leaner COI is in line with new government priorities. Our future will be grounded in continuing to deliver excellent communications to achieve government aims, in the most cost efficient and effective way possible.